MICROSTRUCTURE AND MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF SiC W/BAS (BaAl 2Si 2O 8) GLASS CERAMIC COMPOSITE

BAS (BaAl 2Si 2O 8) glass ceramic was prepared by a sol gel process and the SiC W/BAS composites were fabricated by hot pressing. The transformation from hexacelsian to celsian, the microstructure and mechanical properties of the composites was investigated. The results show that the transformation promoted by adding celsian seeds is retarded in the composite by the presence of SiC whisker. SiC whisker has a good effect of improving the mechanical properties of BAS glass ceramic matrix. The toughening mechanisms are crack deflection and whisker fracture. The strengthening mechanism is loading transition. The amorphous phase at SiC W/BAS matrix interface damages the fracture toughness and high temperature strength of the composites.